Category Archives: fire

Frozen Fire Festival (Salem, MA)

Date Of Event: January 1, 2025

Location: Charlotte Forten Park, 289 Derby St, Salem, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking lots and garages in the area (parking was free during my visit because of the holiday)

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Frozen Fire Festival

Summary: Performers performed death defying acrobatic and fiery acts in a free event open to the public

Just because the “big holidays” were over, it doesn’t mean the festivities were over in Salem, MA!

During the week after Christmas and New Year’s Day, Salem has been hosting a variety of daredevils, acrobats and entertainers.

As you will see in this post, it was difficult to select the most interesting and fun photos to post. The entertainers were so talented and the event had so much to offer!

The events for each day varied slightly. I went on New Year’s Day, the last day of the event. There wasn’t a big crowd, perhaps in part because it was the last day of the event. While the event was free, people could rent an igloo to keep warm and there were food and beverage stations as well as curling lanes and warming stations.

People had so much fun curling! I never knew people could have so much fun playing this modified version of curling. Or, how intense the competition could be!

There were also smore or marshmallow stations. People could make their own smores or just toast marshmallows!

There was also a swing if you wanted to take a break and just relax.

There were also ice sculptures at the event. Since it was a mild day, there was only one sculpture I could photograph.

Now, on to the main attractions of the event! There were 6 half hour performances each hour. Some of the performers performed several times. But, their performances changed somewhat each time they performed. Some of the photos were taken at various performances throughout the day. Of course, it being New England, it snowed and rain intermittently throughout the day before the event. But, the weather didn’t affect the show!

Jay Moran kicked off the event with some agile fire tricks.

Qatherine showed off her skills.

Celia kept the tension high with her high aerial performance!

Not only was Orissa flexible (she is considered the “most flexible woman in the world), she also is an archery expert…with her feet!

But, my favorite performance of the night was Irina Jang. Not only did she put on an amazing performance, she also gave some great photo opportinities!

The event wasn’t just fun for people! Freya, a 2 year old, mini doodle also had fun at the event!


Phantoms By Firelight (Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA)

Date Of Event: October 26, 2024

Location: Old Sturbridge Village, 29 Stallion Hill Road, Sturbridge, MA (1 hour southwest of Boston, MA)

Cost: Prices tanged from $14 to $45 depending on your age and when you bought them. More information can be found at the link below

Ticket prices

Universally Accessible: Yes

Parking: Free parking is included in the ticket price

Website: Phantoms By Firelight

Summary: Performers entertained visitors with gravity defying acts, fire breathing and other jaw dropping tricks!

Fiery frights awaited all at this year’s Phantoms By Firelight event at Old Sturbridge Village.

An array of performers, dare devils and acrobats entertained countless visitors last month at Old Sturbridge Village.

Perhaps this event should have been titled, “don’t try this at home.”

The family friendly event included card tricks by Magnus The Magnificent.

There were also games like this World Scramble game. Can you guess the phrase hidden in this world scramble?

After all the fun and games, it was off to the Village Common to watch Alexander the Upside Down Man.

The feats of strength by Andrew were very impressive!

Whew! I got sore and tired just watching Alexander!

Next on the list of things I’ll never be able to do was the rope climbing extraordinaire Philomena.

But, before the show got started, the ring master got the crowd pumped up for the event!

After all that climbing, Philomena took a well deserved rest!

After the show, I was able to take a photo of the star of the show!

As the evening wore on and darkness fell upon the village, The performers kept everyone warm and entertained! Ignatius and Anastasia, aka the Masters Of The Flame, kept everyone enthralled with their fiery tricks! I liked the contrast of the agility and graceful of Philomena and the pure rock and roll daredevil action of Ignatius and Anastasia!

After that breath taking display, it was on to the Cyrkus Vampyr Finale Ultimo. As the name would seem to suggest, this was the finale of the evening.

This performance included some awesome acrobatics and more fun with fire!

There were also additional shows at the event. In the spirit of the Halloween season, there were some macabre events like this re-enactment and info session about wakes. This event was both respectful and informative.

There was a lot of differences from wakes during the early 1800s. For instance, during the early 1800s, which is the time frame Old Sturbridge Village is based, people didn’t take visitors for wakes. People’s wakes were very different. People mourned and reflected on their own. A casket with a mannequin represented how the people would mourn.

The lighting and decor added to the atmosphere of the event.

The performers at the event were not the only people who dressed up! Some of the visitors also wore costumes or other decorative items.

In addition to all of the performances, there was a Clues & Candy game where they had to collect stamps to complete a picture. The lucky ones who completed the tasks were rewarded with a treat pick up! There were also demonstrations of casket making, musicians and spooking story telling!

Despite all of the fire and death defying acrobats (or maybe because of it), the Phantoms By Firelight event was a big hit with both old young!

Please see below for videos from the event!